Editorial: Big government a big help to safety, trust in the air

Posted: Saturday, September 29, 2001

The Bush administration outlined the president's air-security plan Thursday in the wake of a terrorist attack against America Sept. 11.

The plan includes a provision putting the federal government in charge of airport security, an initiative that deserves support to increase the safety of the nation's travelers and instill public confidence in an airline industry greatly in need of help - financially and imagewise.

When four airplanes were hijacked and turned into human missiles in an act of cowardice never before seen or contemplated, the lives of every American were transformed from a nation of security and peace to danger and fear.

It is the government's responsibility to protect the public, and this is precisely what placing the federal government in charge of airport security would provide.

"The airlines are responsible for the screenings of the people who get on their airplanes," McConnell said.

McConnell said two scenarios by the federal government are under possible consideration.

One option would continue perimeter security law enforcement on a local basis, while the other option would require the federal government to handle law enforcement and security at all airports.

"The consensus opinion from the airport business is that if they're going to take part of it, they might as well take it all," McConnell said. "Our opinion is it makes no difference to us as long as they feel it would provide a more secure airport environment."

This should be the ultimate goal of putting airport security under federal control.

Public safety would increase under government employee background checks and reduce the overlap of responsibilities under a two-entity system.

Normally, any reduction in the role of the federal government in everyday life would be welcome.